Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:45 pm on 19 October 2021.
Diolch, Llywydd. Business Minister, could I ask for an urgent statement from the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, please? Llanwern High School in Newport has been forced to send home their entire year 9 year group due to a number of staff testing positive from COVID and having to self-isolate, and the lack of staff to substitute. Unfortunately, this is an issue that is now repeating itself at speed across Wales. The unions, the National Association of Head Teachers and I have raised concerns previously with the Minister, and I'd be grateful if you could approve a statement from the Minister to outline what steps he intends to take to support schools and pupils struggling with these staff absences. Thank you.